Breaking point
How do students at Northview feel about their sport?
Design by Allen Liu
Allen Liu, Copy Editor, & Ridhi Boggavarapu, Staff Writer
From 5 a.m. practices to weekly tournaments, athletes at Northview High School face mounting pressure from their sport as the school year marches forward. Sports burnout refers to a common condition that plagues athletes, causing them to experience fatigue and mental stress due to overexertion. Between Northview’s rigorous academic regimen and the extensive extracurriculars that many take on, athletes find it increasingly difficult to make time for their sport.
“When I get home from school I usually head straight to the golf range. I play golf most days after school for an hour or two," Rex Zhang, sophomore golf player, said. "On the weekends, I compete in tournaments that last for the entire day.”
One of the biggest concerns that arise from athletes who experience sports burnout is the burden on their mental health. The constant pressure to succeed both in school and out may prompt some individuals to question where their priorities lie. Alex Bigsby, a sophomore at Northview who plays multiple sports including cross country, track and field, and baseball, mentions why he thinks burnout happens and people resort to quitting their sport.
“Obviously, if you take a lot of time [for your sport] and then, you don't really see the results, you kind of get frustrated. If you get frustrated, it puts more pressure on what you're doing to actually perform," Bigsby said. "And then when you don't perform, it just kind of like compounds, the worse you're doing, like, the more anxious you are about it, and so it's kind of a spiral.”
This may be a sensitive subject for many, but it is important to realize that dropping a sport, club, or difficult class can severely lessen one’s workload and contribute to a more fulfilling lifestyle.
On the other hand, sports, for some, have proven to be a breakaway from the suffocating atmosphere at school. The crucial takeaway is that burnout and sports' value depend on the individual. What works for others may not work for you and only through considering your options and values can you make the best decision for your mind, health, and wellbeing.
“[It’s all] time management," Connor Rogers, Northview Varsity Football player, said. "[You] just [need] to learn when to do things [and] how to do it. Even if I didn't study enough, I'm always in bed by 9:30. With sports, obviously, it's more of a time crunch, but it's definitely manageable.”
In addition, coaches also try to prevent burnout by ensuring players get rest days. This may seem straightforward in practice, but real-world circumstances make it extremely difficult for student-athletes to properly manage their lifestyles. For those who do become burnt out, Nicolas Russell, a sophomore soccer player, offers a piece of advice for juggling commitments.
“I think the key is being organized. Having a lot on your plate can feel overwhelming, but organizing your plate can definitely help relieve the load,” Russel said.
Many Northview student-athletes feel that sports have played a huge role in their life. Though a lot of work, many believe playing has had a positive impact on them by improving their social life, giving them goals to work toward, and helping them learn life skills. On the flip side, burnout is a very real issue that students often face, whether it be overexertion on one day, or slowly losing passion for the sport over time. When trying to manage “everything”, it can be a good idea to ask for help.
“If you're feeling like you're starting to burn out, talk to someone, talk to a coach, tell them you're feeling this way, and they'll help you,” Rogers said.
